June 4th, 2017
Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 80 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Photos courtesy of NY NIK.
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I am from Rochester, NY born and raised. Growing up I bounced back and forth between the east and west side. I began high school at Bishop Kearney and transferred to East High school in 10th grade. I’m an East High graduate.
What inspired you to be an artist/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?
My inspiration came from singing in church when I was a child. I’ve always had a love for music. It was when I got to East HS that I was introduced to rapping, the fellas used to rap in the court yard on lunch and one day I jumped in and gave it a try …… it was on after that.
Fresh out of high school I was workin in Champs downtown and Dalvin from Jodeci came in, was diggin my style , asked me if I rapped , gave me his card and told me to come check him at the studio. I spit for them and it was a go from there , I became part of the Basement Crew. From there I recorded on 3 albums: Ginuwine – the Bachelor Album, Missy Elliot- Supa Dupa Fly,and Timbaland and Magoo- Welcome to Our World. In 1997 I did the Cincinnati Jazz Festival and the Budweiser Super Fest Tour both performing with Aaliyah.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
When I came off tour I was given an opportunity at a local radio station to cost host a rap segment for two nights in a row. When arrived for the start of the first segment with my itinerary in hand I was stopped by the owner of the station and question about who I was and why I was there, I showed him my itinerary and started to explain to him who I was, how I had just came off tour with Aaliyah . The man stopped me mid sentence and basically told me he didn’t care who I was , or what I had accomplished and my paper work meant nothing. He didn’t know who I was and I wasn’t hosting on his station. The part that got me was the staff was defending me and had my back and he still told me I could leave now. From there I went into a state of a depression. I got no love from my home. I couldn’t write for years. In 2004 …. 5 years later , my brother sat down with me and made me write , he challenged me every day for months….. words started coming and my shell was broken. I came back stronger than ever . I realized that one mans opinion wasn’t gonna stop me from doin what I love.
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists/entertainers?
I’m me, I have my own sound and my own style. I’m a seasoned vet and I take the good with the bad. There’s competition in every game that’s played, I don’t compete. That’s what sets me apart, people always competing trying to be the best. I’m just tryin to be the best at being me.
Do you have other interest or hobbies?
Spending time with my son. I love cooking, I like to paint. I enjoy a good book. Also learning more of the business management side of music.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
I am currently working on my solo project, hoping to release in August.
I’m also featured on several different projects from local artists through out the city.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to be managing artists and being more involved with the production of the music.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
Be yourself, don’t be afraid to be different and step outside your comfort zone. Music has no boundaries , so don’t let nothing hold you back. If given the right opportunity always have a lawyer check that contract ….. read the fine print.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
I’m currently co hosting on a local radio station ( WAYO 104.3fm – Lafayette Cafe presents We Roc R Own radio )
